Rochester will be a destination along a Great Lakes cruise route in 2026, starting in the spring. How much will the trip cost?
The 9-Day Great Lakes and Thousand Islands cruise from American Cruise Lines will travel between Syracuse and Cleveland, traversing Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. It’s one of three new Great Lakes cruises from the company, which cited popular demand for the additional routes.
“Guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” said Charles B. Robertson, president & CEO of American Cruise Lines, in a statement. “We are now proud to offer these cruises as only American can, aboard a new small ship sailing 100% domestically.”
Great Lakes cruise details
Prices for the cruise start at $8,675 and include complimentary airfare. Dates for the cruise include May 22 and May 29, June 5 and Aug. 27, 2026.
The all-new cruise route will be aboard the American Patriot, the newest ship from American Cruise Lines. The ship, completed this year, features a 130-guest capacity, grand suites, open seating dining and a fitness center.
The cruise is nine days and eight nights, starting in Syracuse and concluding in Cleveland, Ohio. The route goes to the Thousand Islands through Oswego before stopping Rochester on the fifth day.
Cruise ship to stop in Rochester on Lake Ontario
The Rochester leg of the trip promotes a tour of the George Eastman Museum or High Falls, along with an excursion to the National Susan B. Anthony House and Museum.
From there, the cruise travels the Welland Canal on the way to Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The cruise concludes in Cleveland with attractions like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Art Museum.
More details on the cruise can be found at americancruiselines.com.
— Steve Howe reports on weather, climate and the Great Lakes for the Democrat and Chronicle. An RIT graduate, he has covered myriad topics over the years, including public safety, local government, national politics and economic development in New York and Utah.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester to be a destination stop on new Great Lakes cruise route
Reporting by Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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